Whether it’s your legs, your underarms, your bikini line, or some other part of your body, hair removal has options. Thing is, many of them come with pros and cons. That’s why it’s important to figure out which one works best for you.
Shaving can require lots of upkeep. Waxing can be painful. Sugaring is a healthier alternative to waxing, but the process can take some getting used to. Your eyebrows can be plucked (with tweezers) or threaded — but oftentimes you have to repeat the process every couple of weeks.
Then there is laser hair removal. It’s a type of laser technology that reduces body hair over time.
Maybe you want to learn a laser hair removal FAQ or two. Or perhaps you’ve always wondered how long you should wait to shave or tan after a laser hair removal appointment. If either is the case, this will give you some insight into both. You can feel more confident should you decide to get some laser hair removal done soon.
What Does the Laser Hair Removal Process Consist Of?
If you decide to make a laser hair removal appointment, make sure it’s with a board-certified dermatologist or someone who has professional experience in this area. That’s important because this procedure runs the risk of skin irritation and sometimes even pigment changes. To reduce these chances, you need to feel like you are in well-qualified hands.
Once you arrive at the office, salon or spa, a tool that has a laser of light inside of it will be placed on the areas where you want hair to be removed. As the tool moves around where you want to lose hair, the light will turn to heat; that is what will target the pigment of your hair and ultimately damage your hair follicles.
One of the best things about laser hair removal is that it involves minimal pain. And while it doesn’t present permanent results, you will notice that your hair is finer. There is also less of it once it starts to grow back. Another bonus is after between two to six appointments, your hair may not return for several years.
Some other awesome things about laser hair removal are:
The process usually only takes five to 15 minutes
It’s accurate in getting every hair that you want removed
It decreases the chance of you getting ingrown hairs
How Do You Prep for a Laser Hair Removal Appointment?
Now that you know what to expect at a laser hair removal appointment, let’s discuss how to prepare for one. There are a few things to keep in mind:
Do not wax or tweeze any hair for 4-6 weeks prior to your appointment. The laser needs actual hair to remove.
Do shave 1 to 2 days before your appointment. This helps the laser to target the pigment in each hair follicle.
Stay out of the sun and don’t tan for 14 days before your appointment. UV rays and tanning beds could lead to skin discoloration and/or pain and skin blistering.
Avoid bleaching your hair for six weeks before your appointment. It’s difficult for a laser to see your hairs if they are bleached out.
Only use soap and water on the day of your appointment. Lotions, ointments, and make-up can increase your chances of skin irritation. That’s why less is best.
It’s also important to discuss with the person removing your hair if you’re on any medications. Do this beforehand to decrease your chances of any side effects. If you follow through with all of this, you should have an overall pleasant hair removal experience.
After Your Laser Hair Removal: Can You Tan?
If one of the reasons why you’re removing your hair is because you can’t wait to show off some of your golden skin, there are some other things to take note of. Remember that laser light is pretty intense. As a result, the skin around the part that’s been lasered can be really sensitive. That’s why it’s best to wait two weeks after your procedure to tan.
Otherwise, too much exposure to UV rays from the sun or from a tanning bed could cause hyperpigmentation, burns or even permanent scarring. Of course, some of this does depend on where you received laser hair removal. For instance, if it was on your underarms, it’s easier to shield that part of the body than your arms or legs.
Also, hopefully using sunscreen anyway. However, once you do return to the sun after laser hair removal, it’s essential that you apply it; even after your two weeks are up.
Laser Hair Removal FAQ: When Can You Shave Again?
If you’re someone who likes your skin to feel as smooth and sleek as possible at all times, you may be curious about when you can shave after your procedure. That’s a good question. Since your skin will probably be sensitive after removing the hair, try and wait about five days after your appointment before using a razor.
Speaking of your hair removal experience, shedding is normal to transpire a couple of days after the procedure. That just means that the hairs that the laser destroyed are falling out. Something that can make shaving easier for you is to exfoliate those areas first. Your skin will look and feel smoother if you do.
Let Us Assist You with Your Hair Removal Needs
If this laser hair removal FAQ answered most of your questions, helped to put your mind at ease and you live in the Brampton area, we’d love to hear from you. Give us a call at 416-843-1396. Or email us at info@LaserSpot.com anytime. We’d be happy to get you on the road to smooth beautiful skin!
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